Method and system for transmission or reception of fm signals utilizing a ddfs clocked by an rfid pll

ABSTRACT

Aspects of a method and system for transmission or reception of FM signals utilizing a DDFS clocked by an RFID PLL are provided. In this regard, one or more signals utilized to transmit or receive FM communication may be generated by clocking a DDFS via a signal generated to enable RFID communication. 
     The DDFS may be controlled via a control word from a processor. In this regard, the control word may determine a frequency and/or phase of the signals output by the DDFS. The control word may be switched between two or more values to generate different frequencies and/or phases in different time intervals. Additionally, the control word may be adjusted to maintain a constant phase and/or frequency in spite of changes to the signal clocking the DDFS.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application makes reference to, claims priority to, and claimsbenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/895,698 (AttorneyDocket No. 18372US01) filed Mar. 19, 2007.

This application also makes reference to:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18372US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18574US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18575US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18576US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18577US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18578US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18579US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18580US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18581US02) filed on even date herewith;U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number18591US02) filed on even date herewith.

Each of the above stated applications is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to signal processing. Morespecifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a methodand system for transmission or reception of FM signals utilizing a DDFSclocked by an RFID PLL.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the growing popularity of portable electronic devices and wirelessdevices that support audio applications, there is a growing need toprovide a simple and complete solution for audio communicationsapplications. Additionally, with the growing popularity of RFIDtechnologies, there is a need to provide a simple and complete solutionfor integrating RFID into portable electronic devices such as wirelesshandsets. In this regard, FM transmission, FM reception, and/or RFID mayall be integrated into a single device. For example, a portableelectronic device such as a wireless handset may play stored audiocontent and/or receive audio content via broadcast communication. Inthis regard, the device may receive or transmit conventional FM radiosignals. Additionally, portable devices such as wireless handsets areincreasingly being used, for example, as a replacement for conventionalRFID badges and smart cards. For example, RFID enabled wireless handsetsmay be utilized in a manner similar to smart cards and may be utilizedto store account information for the purchase of goods and services. Inthis manner, a user may, for example, simply hold his wireless handsetup to a terminal and have funds automatically deducted from his account.

However, integrating support for FM transmission, FM reception, and RFIDinto, for example, a wireless handset may be costly. In this regard,combining FM radio and RFID services into a portable electronic deviceor a wireless device may require separate processing hardware and/orseparate processing software. Furthermore, simultaneous use of aplurality of radios in a portable device may result in significantincreases in power consumption. Power being a precious commodity in mostportable devices, combining an FM radio and RFID services into a singledevice may require careful design and implementation in order tominimize battery usage. Additional overhead such as sophisticated powermonitoring and power management techniques are required in order tomaximize battery life.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention asset forth in the remainder of the present application with reference tothe drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method is provided for transmission and reception of FMsignals utilizing a DDFS clocked by an RFID PLL, substantially as shownin and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, asset forth more completely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of exemplary handheld devices that communicate withan RFID terminal, an FM transmitter, and/or a FM receiver utilizing asingle chip with integrated RFID and FM radios, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary RFID system, in connectionwith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an exemplary system for FM transmissionand/or FM reception, in connection with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a FM transceiver sharing anexternal antenna between transmit and receive functions, in connectionwith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a FM transceiver utilizingseparate external receive and transmit antennas, in connection with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3D is a block diagram illustrating a FM transceiver sharing aninternal antenna between transmit and receive functions, in connectionwith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3E is a block diagram illustrating a FM transceiver utilizingseparate external receive and transmit antennas, in connection with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is an exemplary diagram of a System on Chip (SoC) withintegrated RFID and FM radios, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a direct digital frequency synthesizer(DDFS), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps in transmittingand/or receiving FM signals utilizing a DDFS clocked by a RFID PLL, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and systemfor transmission or reception of FM signals utilizing a DDFS clocked byan RFID PLL. In this regard, one or more signals utilized to transmit orreceive FM communication, such as the I and Q signals of FIG. 4A, may begenerated by clocking a DDFS, such as the DDFS 422 of FIG. 4A, via asignal generated to enable RFID communication. The signal that enablesRFID communication and clocks the DDFS may be within one of severalcommon frequency bands utilized for RFID communication. These frequencybands may include 868 MHz to 928 MHz, 2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz, and 5.725 to5.875 GHz. These frequencies may be generated by a PLL which may be asimple fixed-frequency PLL. The signals output by the DDFS may comprisein-phase and quadrature phase components, as shown by I and Q in FIGS.4A and 4B. The signals output by the DDFS may fall within a frequencyband of 60 MHz to 130 MHz.

The DDFS may be controlled via a control word (CTRL in FIG. 4A) from aprocessor, such as the processor 130 disclosed in FIG. 4A. In thisregard, the control word may determine a frequency and/or phase of thesignals output by the DDFS. The control word may be switched between twoor more values to generate different frequencies and/or phases indifferent time intervals. Accordingly, by switching between a transmitfrequency and/or phase and a receive frequency and/or phase inalternating time intervals, aspects of the invention may enablesimulating the simultaneous transmission and reception of FM signals.Additionally, the control word may be adjusted to maintain a constantphase and/or frequency in spite of changes to the signal clocking theDDFS.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of exemplary handheld devices that communicate withan RFID terminal, an FM transmitter, and/or a FM receiver utilizing asingle chip with integrated RFID and FM radios, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an RFIDterminal 202, a FM transmitter 302, a FM receiver 310, and a number ofwireless devices including a wireless handset 204 a, a smart phone 204b, a computer 204 c, and an exemplary FM and RFID-equipped device 204 d.

The RFID transmitter 202 may be implemented as part of a security systemor toll station, for example. Each of the wireless handset 204 a, thesmart phone 204 b, the computer 204 c, and the exemplary FM andRFID-equipped device 204 d may comprise a single chip 206 withintegrated RFID and FM radios for supporting FM and RFID datacommunications. The RFID terminal 202 may enable communication of RFIDdata between itself and the devices shown by utilizing the single chip206. Accordingly, the various wireless devices shown in FIG. 1 may beenabled to transmit and receive RFID signals to/from the RFID terminal202. The user of each device may, for example, hold it near the terminalto provide a means of identifying him or herself. In another example,the devices may communicate with the terminal 202 to perform a secureoperation such as completing a financial transaction. In this regard,account information may be stored in a central database accessed by theterminal 202, or account may be stored locally on the device.

The FM transmitter 302 may be implemented as part of a radio station orother broadcasting device, for example. The FM transmitter 302 mayenable communication of FM audio data to the devices shown in FIG. 3A byutilizing the single chip 206. Accordingly, the various wireless devicesshown in FIG. 1 may be enabled to receive FM audio data. In this regard,each of the devices in FIG. 3A may comprise and/or may becommunicatively coupled to a listening device 308 such as a speaker, aheadset, or an earphone, for example.

The FM receiver may be enabled to receive FM audio data and may beassociated with an audio system. For example, the FM receiver may beimplemented as part of a car stereo. Accordingly, the various wiresdevices may be able to broadcast a signal to a “deadband” of an FMreceiver for use by the associated audio system. For example, the smartphone 204 b may transmit a telephone call for listening over the audiosystem of an automobile, via usage of a deadband area of the car's FMstereo system. This may provide a universal ability to use this featurewith all automobiles equipped simply with an FM radio with few, if any,other external FM transmission devices or connections being required. Inanother example, a computer, such as the computer 204 c, may comprise anMP3 player or another digital music format player and may broadcast asignal to the deadband of an FM receiver in a home stereo system. Themusic on the computer may then be listened to on a standard FM receiverwith few, if any, other external FM transmission devices or connections.

While a wireless handset, a smart phone, and computing devices have beenshown, a single chip that combines a RFID and FM transceiver and/orreceiver may be utilized in a plurality of other devices and/or systemsthat receive and use an FM signal.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary RFID system inconnection with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 2, theexemplary system 102 may comprise an Tx/Rx block 104, a processor 106, anonvolatile memory 108, a RAM 110, an antenna 112, a frequencysynthesizer 114, and a power supply 115. The exemplary system 102 may,for example, be an integrated system on chip (SoC). The system 102 may,for example, be integrated into a smart card or a portable electronicdevice 150.

The Tx/Rx block 104 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codewhich may enable communication between the system 102 and the terminal116. The Tx/Rx block 104 may, for example, be enabled to demodulate areceived signal and pass the resulting data to the processor in the formof a bitstream. Similarly, the Tx/Rx block 104 may be enabled tomodulate a carrier signal with the information comprising a bitstreamreceived from the processor 106 and/or the memory 108.

The processor 106 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codewhich may enable processing and/or storing data to/from the Tx/Rx block104, the nonvolatile memory 108, the RAM 110, and the frequencysynthesizer 114. In this regard, the processor 106 may enable processingreceived data and/or processing of data to be transmitted to theterminal 116. For transmitting data, the processor may be enabled tocontrol the Tx/Rx block 104 to modulate information onto a RF carrier.

The nonvolatile memory 108 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,and/or code which may enable storing data when the system 108 is notpowered. The nonvolatile memory 108 may store a set of instructionscomprising a boot sequence to load and initialize an operating system.Accordingly, upon connecting to a terminal, the system 102 may power upand the processor 106 may execute the boot sequence.

The RAM 110 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code whichmay enable storing data while the system 102 is powered. The RAM 110 maycomprise one or more instructions which may be utilized by processor106. In this regard, the RAM 110 may be loadable by the terminal 116and, upon the terminal 116 being validated and/or authenticated, theprocessor 106 may be enabled to execute instructions from the RAM 110.

The antenna 112 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code forcoupling electric and/or magnetic fields from the terminal 116 to thesystem 102. In this manner, an external magnetic and/or electric fieldmay impress a current in the antenna 112. Similarly, the antenna 112 mayenable transmitting signals output by the Tx/Rx block 104. The antenna112 may be integrated into the system 102 or may be external.

The frequency synthesizer 114 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,and/or code that may enable generation of fixed or variable frequencysignals. For example, the clock generation block 114 may comprise one ormore PLLs to generate one or more signals of variable frequency based ona single fixed frequency reference signal. In this regard, the PLL maycomprise a fixed-frequency, a “divide by N”, or a “fractional N”architecture. Accordingly, the frequency synthesizer 114 may generate acarrier signal which may be modulated the Tx/Rx block 104. In thisregard, frequencies generated by the frequency synthesizer 114 mayinclude, but are not limited to 868 MHz to 928 MHz, 2.4 GHz to 2.483GHz, and/or 5.725 to 5.875 GHz.

The power supply 115 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codethat may enable powering the system 102. In this regard, the powersupply 115 may, for example, comprise a battery or other power source.Alternatively, the system 102 may be integrated into a portableelectronic device 150, as shown in FIG. 2, and may receive power fromthe portable electronic device's power supply 152. In this regard, thepower supply 115 may, for example, enable the conditioning and/ordistribution of voltages or currents received from the electronicdevice.

In an exemplary operation, the frequency synthesizer 115 may generateone or more signals used by the system 102 for clocking the variousblocks of the system 102. Upon receiving a stable clock signal theprocessor 106 may execute a boot sequence from instructions stored inthe non-volatile memory 108. In this regard, the boot sequence maycomprise performing one or more operations to establish communicationwith the terminal 116. For example, the processor 106 may determine thetype of terminal to which the system 102 may be interfacing and the rateand format of information to be exchanged via the Tx/Rx block 104. Uponestablishing communication, the boot sequence may comprise performingone or more operations to validate and/or authenticate the terminal 116.Subsequent to establishing communication with the terminal, the system102 may perform a variety of operations. In this regard, the system 102may, for example, be utilized for identifying the system 102 or forpurchasing goods and services using account information stored in thesystem 102. Accordingly, the system 102 may, for example, may beintegrated into a “smart phone”. The system 102 represents only oneembodiment of a RFID system and actual RFID systems may vary widely incomplexity, manner of operation, functions performed, and othercharacteristics. Notwithstanding these variations, any RFID systemcomprising a signal generation circuit similar to or the same as thefrequency synthesizer 114 may be utilized in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an exemplary system for FM transmissionand/or FM reception, in connection with an embodiment of the invention.Referring to FIG. 3A the radio 120 may comprise a frequency synthesizer124, an FM receive (Rx) block 126, a memory 128, a processor 130, and aFM transmit (Tx) block 132.

The frequency synthesizer 124 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,and/or code that may enable generation of fixed or variable frequencysignals. For example, the frequency synthesizer 124 may comprise one ormore phase locked loops (PLL) and one or more reference signalgenerators, such as a crystal oscillator. Additionally, the frequencysynthesizer 124 may comprise one or more phase shifters and/or signaldividers such that two signals in phase quadrature may be generated.

The memory 128 may comprise suitable logic circuitry and/or code thatmay enable storing information. In this regard, the memory 128 may, forexample, enable storing information utilized for controlling and/orconfiguring the frequency synthesizer 124. For example, the memory maystore the value of state variables that may be utilized to control thefrequency output by the frequency synthesizer 124. Additionally, thememory 128 may enable storing information that may be utilized toconfigure the FM Tx block 126 and the FM Rx block 132. In this regard,the FM RX block 126 and/or the FM tx block may comprise logic,circuitry, and/or code such as a filter, for example, that may beconfigured based on the desired frequency of operation.

The processor 130 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codethat may enable interfacing to the memory 128, the frequency synthesizer124, the FM Rx block 126 and/or the FM Tx block 132. In this regard, theprocessor 130 may be enabled to execute one or more instruction thatenable reading and/or writing to/from the memory 128. Additionally, theprocessor 130 may be enabled to execute one or more instruction thatenable providing one or more control signals to the frequencysynthesizer 124, the FM Rx block 126, and/or the FM Tx block 132.

The FM Rx block 126 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codethat may enable reception of FM signals. In this regard, the FM Rx block126 may be enabled to tune to a desired channel, amplify receivedsignals, down-convert received signals, and/or demodulate receivedsignals to, for example, output data and/or audio information comprisingthe channel. For example, the FM Rx block 126 may utilize phasequadrature local oscillator signals generated by frequency synthesizer124 to down-convert received FM signals. The FM Rx block may, forexample, be enabled to operate over the “FM broadcast band”, orapproximately 60 MHz to 130 MHz. Signal processing performed by the FMRx block 126 may be performed in the analog domain, or the FM Rx block126 may comprise one or more analog to digital converters and/or digitalto analog converters.

The FM Tx block 132 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codethat may enable transmission of FM signals. In this regard, the FM Txblock 132 may enable frequency modulation of a carrier signal generatedby the clock frequency synthesizer 124. The FM Tx block 132 may alsoenable up-conversion of a modulated signal to a frequency, for example,in the “FM broadcast band”, or approximately 60 MHz to 130 MHz.Additionally, the FM Tx block may enable buffering and/or amplifying aFM signal such that the signal may be transmitted via the antenna 136.

The FM Rx block 126 and the FM Tx block 132 may share an antenna orutilize separate antennas. In the case of a shared antenna, adirectional couple, transformer, or some other circuitry may be utilizedto couple the Tx output and Rx input to the single antenna.Additionally, any antennas utilized by the FM Tx block 132 and/or the FMRx block 126 may be integrated into the same substrate as the system 120or may be separate. Exemplary antenna configurations are furtherillustrated in FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E.

In an exemplary operation of the system 120, one or more signalsprovided by the processor 130 may configure the system 120 to eithertransmit or receive FM signals. To receive FM signals the processor mayprovide one or more signals to power up the FM Rx block 126 and powerdown the FM Tx block 132. Additionally, the processor may provide one ormore control signals to the frequency synthesizer 124 in order togenerate an appropriate LO frequency based the reference signal f_(ref).In this regard, the processor may interface to the memory 128 in orderto determine the appropriate state of any control signals provided tothe frequency synthesizer 124. To transmit FM signals the processor mayprovide one or more signals to power up the FM Tx block 132 and powerdown the FM Rx block 126. Additionally, the processor may provide one ormore control signals to the frequency synthesizer 124 in order togenerate an appropriate LO frequency based on the reference frequencyf_(ref). In this regard, the processor may interface to the memory 128in order to determine the appropriate state of any control signals.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a FM transceiver sharing anexternal antenna between transmit and receive functions, in connectionwith an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3B, there isshown a FM transceiver 120, a coupling device 150, and a bi-directionalantenna 152. The antenna 152 may transmit and/or receive FM signals. Thecoupling device 150 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codethat may enable passing FM signals received via the antenna 152 to theFM Rx block 126. Additionally, the coupling device 150 may be enabled topass signals from the FM Tx block 132 to the antenna 152 fortransmission to a remote FM receiver.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a FM transceiver utilizingseparate external receive and transmit antennas, in connection with anembodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3C, there is shown a FMtransceiver 120, a receive antenna 154 a, and a transmit antenna 154 b.The receive antenna 154 a may receive FM signals and pass them to the FMRx block 126. The transmit antenna 154 b may receive FM signals from FMTx block 132 and may transmit them for reception by a remote FMreceiver.

FIG. 3D is a block diagram illustrating a FM transceiver sharing anintegrated antenna between transmit and receive functions, in connectionwith an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3D, there isshown an integrated system comprising an FM transceiver 120, a couplingdevice 158, and an antenna 156. The antenna 156 may transmit and/orreceive FM signals. The coupling device 150 may comprise suitable logic,circuitry, and/or code that may enable passing FM signals received viathe antenna 156 to the FM Rx block 126. Additionally, the couplingdevice 150 may be enabled to pass signals from the FM Tx block 132 tothe antenna 156 for transmission to a remote FM receiver.

FIG. 3E is a block diagram illustrating a FM transceiver utilizingintegrated receive and transmit antennas, in connection with anembodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3E, there is shown anintegrated system comprising a FM transceiver 120, a receive antenna 160a, and a transmit antenna 160 b. The receive antenna 160 a may receiveFM signals and pass them to the FM Rx block 126. The transmit antenna160 b may receive FM signals from FM Tx block 132 and may transmit themfor reception by a remote FM receiver.

FIG. 4A is an exemplary diagram of a System on Chip (SoC) withintegrated RFID and FM radios, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 4A, the SoC 400 may comprise a RFID block410 and an FM block 420.

The RFID block 410 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codethat may enable communicating with an RFID terminal. In this regard, theRFID block 410 may be similar to or the same as the RFID system 102disclosed in FIG. 2. Moreover, the RFID block 410 may comprise afrequency synthesizer 412 that may be similar to or the same as thefrequency synthesizer 114 disclosed in FIG. 2. Accordingly, thefrequency synthesizer 412 may comprise a PLL utilized to generate asignal utilized in the communication of RFID data. One or more controlsignals may be provided by the RFID block 410 to the processor 130and/or the memory 128. Similarly, one or more control signals may beprovided by the memory 128 and/or the processor 130 to the RFID block410. In this regard, digital information may be exchanged between theRFID block 410 and the FM block 420. For example, changes in operatingfrequency of the frequency synthesizer 412 may be communicated to thememory 128 and/or the processor 130 such that the control word to a DDFSblock may be altered to compensate for the frequency change.

The FM block 420 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or codethat may enable the transmission and/or reception of FM signals. In thisregard, the FM block 420 may be similar to the FM system 120 disclosedin FIG. 3A. In contrast to the system 120, the FM block 420 may comprisea DDFS 422 instead of a traditional analog frequency synthesizer, suchas the frequency synthesizer 124. Accordingly, the FM block 420 may beenabled to utilize reference signal of widely varying frequency. In thisregard, the DDFS 422 may enable utilizing the output of the frequencysynthesizer 412 to generate signals utilized by the FM block 420. Inthis manner, a reduction in power consumption and circuit size may berealized in the SoC 400 by sharing a single frequency synthesizerbetween the FM block 420 and the RFID block 410. Additional details ofthe DDFS 422 may be found in FIG. 4B.

In an exemplary operation of the system 120, one or more signalsprovided by the processor 130 may configure the FM block 420 to eithertransmit or receive FM signals. To receive FM signals, the processor 130may provide one or more signals to power up the FM Rx block 126 andpower down the FM Tx block 132. Additionally, the processor 130 mayprovide a control word to the DDFS 422 in order to generate anappropriate LO frequency based on the reference signal f_(ref). In thisregard, f_(ref) may comprise an output of a PLL utilized by the RFIDblock 410. For example, the RFID block 410 may operate at 900 MHz andthe frequency generator 412 may accordingly output a 900 MHz signal. TheDDFS 422 may thus utilize the 900 MHz signal to generate, for example,signals in the “FM broadcast band”, or approximately 60 MHz to 130 MHz.

The processor 130 may interface with the memory 128 in order todetermine the appropriate state of any control signals and theappropriate value of the control word provided to the DDFS 122. Totransmit FM signals the processor 130 may provide one or more signals topower up the FM Tx block 132 and power down the FM Rx block 126.Additionally, the processor 130 may provide a control word to the DDFS422 in order to generate an appropriate LO frequency based on thereference signal f_(ref). Alternatively, the processor 130 may provide aseries of control words to the DDFS 422 in order to generate a FMsignal. In this regard, the processor 130 may interface to the memory128 in order to determine the appropriate state of any control signalsand the appropriate values of the control word provided to the DDFS 422.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a direct digital frequency synthesizer inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, DDFSblock 422 may comprise an accumulator 404 and two digital to analogconversion (DAC) blocks 406 a and 406 b.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the accumulator block 404 may comprise suitablelogic, circuitry, and/or code to enable successively adding CTRL to avalue stored in the accumulator on each cycle of a reference clock. Theaccumulator 404 may also receive a reference signal, f_(ref), which maybe fixed-frequency or may be of varying frequency. In the case of avarying f_(ref), the change in frequency may be compensated for byaltering CTRL such that the frequency output by the DDFS may beunaffected. In this regard, CTRL and f_(ref) may determine phase andfrequency of output signals I and Q. For example, I and Q may be inphase quadrature. Referring to FIG. 4B, the DAC blocks 406 a and 406 bmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and and/or code that may enableoutput of one or more signals of varying phase, frequency, or amplitude.In one embodiment, the DAC blocks 406 a and 406 b may comprise a numberof lookup tables and/or one or more logic blocks used to generate outputsignals I and Q. In this manner, the DDFS block 422 is adigitally-controlled signal generator that may vary phase, frequency,and/or amplitude of one or more output signals based on a singlereference clock, and a control word, CTRL.

In operation, CTRL may be provided to the accumulator 404, and may besuccessively added to a value stored in the accumulator 404 on eachcycle of the reference clock. In this manner, the sum will eventually begreater than the maximum value the accumulator can store, and the valuein the accumulator may overflow or “wrap”. Accordingly, an N-bitaccumulator will overflow at a frequency f_(ddfs) given by EQ. 1.

f _(ddfs) =f _(ref)(CTRL/2^(N))  EQ. 1

In this manner, the output of the accumulator, θ_(ctrl), will beperiodic with period 1/f_(ddfs) and may represent the phase angle of asignal. In this regard, the DDFS is well suited as a frequency generatorthat outputs one or more sine waves or other periodic waveforms over alarge range of frequencies, from almost DC to approximately half thereference clock frequency f_(ref).

The DDFS 422 may, for example, be utilized in a time division duplexed(TDD) scheme in which it generates two frequencies, f1 and f2, inalternating time intervals. Moreover, the phase of f1 and f2 may becontinuous such that little or no phase error is introduced whenswitching between frequencies. Additionally, prior to changing CTRL, thestate of the DDFS may be saved in, for example, a memory such as thememory 128. In this manner, the output signal, f1 for example, may beinterrupted and then resumed without losing the phase informationcomprising the generated signals. For example, each time the DDFSresumes generating f1, the saved state may be loaded from memory, andthe signal f1 may resume from the last phase angle transmitted beforethe DDFS interrupted f1 to transmit f2. Accordingly, since phasecontinuity is maintained, rapidly switching between transmit and receivefunctions may have negligible effects on the generated signals I and Q.In this manner, the signals I and Q may appear as continuous,uninterrupted signals to the FM Rx block 126 and/or the FM Tx block 132disclosed in FIG. 4A, for example. Time division duplexing may thus beutilized to simulate the simultaneous transmission and reception of FMsignals.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps in transmittingand/or receiving FM signals utilizing a DDFS clocked by a RFID PLL, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this regard, one ormore of the exemplary step shown in FIG. 5 may be performed by a systemsuch as the chip 400 illustrated in FIG. 4A. Referring to FIG. 5,subsequent to a start step 500, in step 502 an appropriate frequency togenerate for RFID communications may be determined. For example, atstart-up, the processor 130 described in FIG. 4A may read a defaultfrequency setting from the memory 128. Subsequent to step 502 theexemplary steps may proceed to step 504.

In step 504 a PLL or other frequency synthesizer may becontrolled/configured to generate the frequency determined in step 502.For example, the processor 130 may provide the value of N for adivide-by-N block of a PLL comprising the frequency synthesizer 412.Subsequent to step 504 the exemplary steps may proceed to step 506.

In step 506 it may be determined if one or more FM signals is to betransmitted or received. For example, a system such as the chip 400 mayreceive one or more signals indicating that FM reception or transmissionis desired. For example, an external input may allow a user of thesystem 400 to switch the system 400 to a FM Tx or FM Rx mode.Accordingly, the processor 130 may output one or more control signalsto, for example, power up the FM Rx block 126. Subsequent to step 506the exemplary steps may proceed to step 508.

In step 508 an appropriate frequency for FM transmission and/orreception may be determined. For example, an external input may allow auser to configure a desired FM transmit and/or Receive frequency.Alternatively, the processor 130 may read a frequency setting from thememory 128. Subsequent to step 508 the exemplary steps may proceed tostep 510.

In step 510, the FM Tx block 132 and/or the FM Rx block 126 may beconfigure to transmit or receive the frequency determined in step 508.In this regard, the processor 130 and/or the memory 128 may provide acontrol word to the DDFS 422. Accordingly, the control word may be suchthat the DDFS 422 outputs the frequency determined in step 508 whenclocked by the PLL frequency determined in step 502. Additionally instep 510 the processor 130 may provide one or more control signals toconfigure the FM Tx block 126 and/or the FM Rx block 132. For example,the FM Tx block 132 and/or the FM Rx block 126 may comprise a digitallytunable bandpass filter that the processor 130 may configure to pass theFM frequency determined in Step 508.

Various embodiments of the invention may provide a machine-readablestorage or computer readable medium having stored thereon, a computerprogram having at least one code section for transmission or receptionof FM signal utilizing a DDFS clocked by an RFID PLL, the at least onecode section being executable by a machine for causing the machine toperform steps as disclosed herein.

Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware,software, or a combination of hardware and software. The presentinvention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least onecomputer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elementsare spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind ofcomputer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methodsdescribed herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware andsoftware may be a general-purpose computer system with a computerprogram that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computersystem such that it carries out the methods described herein.

The present invention may also be embedded in a computer programproduct, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation ofthe methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer systemis able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the presentcontext means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of aset of instructions intended to cause a system having an informationprocessing capability to perform a particular function either directlyor after either or both of the following: a) conversion to anotherlanguage, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different materialform.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method for signal processing, the method comprising: generating afirst signal to enable transmission and/or reception of RFID signals;and clocking a DDFS via said generated first signal to generate one ormore signals, which enables transmission or reception of frequencymodulated signals.
 2. The method according to claim 1, comprisinggenerating a control word input to said DDFS that controls saidgeneration of said one or more signals by said DDFS.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, comprising simulating simultaneous FM transmissionand FM reception by switching said control word input to said DDFSbetween two values.
 4. The method according to claim 2, comprisingswitching said control word input to said DDFS between two values insuccessive time intervals to perform time-division duplexing of FMtransmission and FM reception.
 5. The method according to claim 4,wherein said FM transmission occurs at a first frequency and said FMreception occurs at a second frequency.
 6. The method according to claim1, comprising adjusts a control word input to said DDFS, which controlssaid generation of said one or more signals by said DDFS, to compensatefor changes in a frequency of said first signal.
 7. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein a frequency of said first signal is within one ofthe following frequency bands: 868 MHz to 928 MHz, 2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz,and 5.725 to 5.875 GHz.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein afrequency of each of said generated one or more signals is within afrequency band of 60 MHz to 130 MHz.
 9. The method according to claim 1,wherein each of said generated one or more signals comprise an in-phasecomponent and a quadrature-phase component.
 10. The method according toclaim 1, comprising generating said first signal via a phase lockedloop.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said phase lockedloop operates at a fixed frequency.
 12. A system for signal processing,the system comprising: one or more circuits that generate a first signalto enable transmission and/or reception of RFID signals; and said one ormore circuits clocks a DDFS via said generated first signal to generateone or more signals, which enable transmission or reception of frequencymodulated signals.
 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein saidone or more circuits generate a control word input to said DDFS thatcontrols said generation of said one or more signals by said DDFS. 14.The system according to claim 13, wherein said one or more circuitssimulates simultaneous FM transmission and FM reception by switchingsaid control word input to said DDFS between two values.
 15. The systemaccording to claim 13, wherein said one or more circuits switches saidcontrol word input to said DDFS between two values in successive timeintervals to perform time-division duplexing of FM transmission and FMreception,
 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein said FMtransmission occurs at a first frequency and said FM reception occurs ata second frequency.
 17. The system according to claim 12, wherein saidone or more circuits adjusts a control word input to said DDFS, whichcontrols said generation of said one or more signals by said DDFS, tocompensate for changes in a frequency of said first signal
 18. Thesystem according to claim 12, wherein a frequency of said first signalis within one of the following frequency bands: 868 MHz to 928 MHz, 2.4GHz to 2.483 GHz, and 5.725 to 5.875 GHz.
 19. The system according toclaim 12, wherein a frequency of each of said generated one or moresignals is within a frequency band of 60 MHz to 130 MHz.
 20. The systemaccording to claim 12, wherein each of said generated one or moresignals comprise an in phase component and a quadrature component. 21.The system according to claim 12, wherein said one or more circuitscomprise a phase locked loop that generates said first signal.
 22. Thesystem according to claim 21, wherein said phase locked loop operates ata fixed frequency.